The Royals have announced via press release that they have avoided arbitration with catcher Brett Hayes by agreeing to a one-year deal. Hayes is a client of TWC Sports.

Hayes, 30 next month, batted .278/.278/.611 with a homer in 18 plate appearances for the Royals in 2013. The longtime Marlin batted .233/.279/.480 in 298 plate appearances for the Royals' Triple-A club last season. Hayes has some pop in his bat, as evidenced by his career .154 isolated power mark (slugging percentage minus batting average).